Canberra Dialogue

Last week I represented the City of Ryde at the National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra, attended by more than 700 delegates from across Australia. Through this forum, local government has significantly increased its level of engagement with the Federal Government, leading to such programs as Roads to Recovery and, more recently, the stimulus package spending on community infrastructure.

At the meeting, the Federal Minister for Local Government, Anthony Albanese, announced a further $220 million was available for Council community infrastructure projects and I look forward to reporting back to you in the near future of the outcomes.

Ryde Council recently received $147,000 as part of the Rudd Government’s $100 million funding package available to the nation’s councils and shires for investment in community infrastructure such as libraries, community centres, sports grounds and environment infrastructure. The Federal Government has announced another $120 million for larger strategic projects, of which Council will be applying for funds for identified projects.

Sydney Water Grant

Council has received funding of $110,000 from Sydney Water to work with local businesses on strategies to cut water use, the initiative is part of Sydney Water’s “Every Drop Counts Business Program” and is expected to reduce water consumption across Greater Sydney by up to 1.5 million litres a day.

Top Ryder Connects to Eastwood

Celebrating its second year of operation, the free Top Ryder bus service now goes as far as Eastwood. There is a new stop on Railway Parade, just near the station underpass. At the other end of the route, there’s a new stop in Bay Drive, Meadowbank at the Shepherds Bay shops. You can also catch the Top Ryder at any existing STA bus stop along the route by signalling the driver. Running Monday to Saturday during off-peak hours, the Top Ryder also has a bright new eye-catching design. The buses have been specially modified to assist the elderly and those who use a wheelchair must book a place the day before intended travel on 1300 850 820. 

A tear-off timetable will appear in the Ryde City View 8 July.

Series 2 Catchment Workshops

Caring for the great diversity of environments right here on our doorstep is a priority for both Council and residents. So it is not surprising that when a series of guided bushwalks exploring our local creeks was advertised recently it booked out almost immediately. To compliment these bushwalks we also ran a series of free Catchment Connection workshops highlighting the impact we all have on these sensitive and valuable ecosystems. Now, a second series of workshops has been organised to run in July and August. If you’d like to attend, you’ll need to book on 9952 8222:

Series 2 Catchment Connections, Gladesville Library, 6.30-9.00 pm.

• Thurs 9 July - Our place, our creek, our catchment
• Thurs 30 July - Low impact design for healthy ecosystems
• Thurs 20 August - Caring for our creeks by gardening sustainably.

No Junk Mail

Everyone has a responsibility to reduce the amount of waste we generate and refusing to accept junk mail is a great first step to helping the environment. For a ‘No Advertising Material’ sticker for your letterbox call the Distributions Standards Board on 1800 676 136.

Regards Clr Vic Tagg, Mayor